Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    19th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 14, 1951

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 17 (January 9, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Lewis Charlton Adams (ASN: US-53052547), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, near Byoru, Korea, on 14 October 1951. After a powerful attack on enemy positions, his company secured its first objective, a high steep terrain feature. As the friendly unit was consolidating its positions for the night, it was suddenly subjected to an intense enemy mortar barrage. Under cover of this concentrated fire, the enemy launched a savage counterattack, charging with such blind fanaticism that the company was forced to withdraw to more strategically defensible positions. Private Adams, Automatic Rifleman, volunteered to remain behind to provide covering fire for his comrades as they moved back to establish new defenses. With complete disregard for his own safety, he unhesitatingly remained in his exposed position, despite murderous enemy fire, and fought off overwhelming odds. Firing with deadly accuracy, he inflicted severe casualties upon the enemy, killing ten only a few yards from his position, and enabling his company to make a successful withdrawal. When last seen, he was still fighting aggressively with tenacious determination. Later, when the objective was again secured, he was found in his position, having succumbed to mortal wounds. Private Adams’ courageous action, valiant single-handed defense and magnificent intrepidity in the face of extreme adversity reflect the highest credit on himself and are in keeping with the honored traditions of the United States Infantry.